by Brett E. Kennedy, Managing Director
I ran across the article recently on the web https://www.insidehighered.com/admissions/article/2020/01/13/more-admissions-officers-last-year-check-social-media and wanted to provide some perspective.
Many wonder about the impact of social media, whether it be Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, on admissions decisions. In a recent survey, conducted by Kaplan Test Prep, 36 percent of admissions officers indicated that they checked social media profiles during the application process. The admissions officers indicated that these checks on social media had both positive and negative implications. In our country’s recent period of civil unrest, some students have found their offers of admission rescinded after what was deemed as racist content was found on their social media profiles.
What recommendations would I make to applicants around their social media presence? First, you need to understand that the college application process is one where a student is marketing themselves to a college. You want to put your best foot forward in all ways. In an on-campus interview, I would recommend presenting yourself in a professional and compelling manner. I would advise against attempts to shock and instead see the interview as a chance to let your best attributes shine through. The same concept applies to social media. Does this represent self-editing? Yes. Does this mean a student is being less than authentic? To some extent, yes.
In life and work, we often learn to hold our tongue. We don’t always have to share perspectives on every subject particularly when they are controversial. This becomes a learned behavior for those in the workplace. For young people, you have to make a determination on what matters to you the most. If you feel strongly about a political topic you certainly have the right to express your opinion. You do, however, have to be ready to accept the consequences of sharing that opinion.
I always recommend to my clients that they avoid politics or other incendiary topics in their application materials and yes that does mean social media as well. I am not suggesting that they should not have political perspectives but instead save those opinions for the right time and right place.